Destroy the Warriors. I don't forget what they did to the Mavs & my Nuggets Sweep! Sweep! Sweep!

Funny how since you did a feature on Jay Gray, he's been averaging a very modest 14ppg, 10rpg series. Funny thing is his Bucks are getting job done. Gray is great. He doesn't mind deferring to get his teammates going. Must still has a lot to learn, especially when trying to compare himself to a player like Jay Gray

Bringing Back Memories Of The Glory DaysIs Milwaukee’s rookie forward the most significant big man since Lew Alcindor?

April 2, 2011

By Woody HannesESPN.com Writer

If I were to make predictions as accurate as this one, I’m pretty sure I would not be working here for ESPN. The correct prediction does not display any kind of prowess on my part, it was just that this prediction was a no-brainer. Jay Gray was a ‘sure thing’; after all, it’s not every day that Gregg Popovich says that a player could ‘turn a franchise around.’

That’s right! As far as everything is concerned, Jay Gray was always going to be the real deal. In the eyes of respected coaches such as Pop as well as the hoards of NBA scouts and execs at his games for TCU, and in the eyes of guys like you and I; we all knew that Gray was going to be successful.

So let’s just see where I was right. The Bucks weren’t going to let Gray slip past two? Check. Gray is strong enough and smart enough to make a huge impact in the NBA? 20 points, 13 boards, 2 blocks: check. Gray should unanimously win Rookie of the Year? Unless Ray Lliach gets the voters on his side, it’s pretty hard to go past Gray so… check.

Seriously, the only thing Jay Gray has not done is get his team into the actual playoffs but that wasn’t entirely his own fault as the team has done so well with him at the helm after trading away Andrew Bogut earlier in the season. Gray has been phenomenal and the Bucks have actually grown into a respectable team. Gray’s numbers keep rising and don’t be surprised if he gets close to the averages he held in his last season of college ball during his sophomore NBA season. He is just that good.

Gray averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds, and close to 3 blocks during his last year at TCU. In comparison, his 20, 13, 2 do not look too shabby at all. In fact, he’s probably exceeded everyone’s expectations. The ever modest Gray even stated a few weeks ago, “I’ve surprised myself with how well I have adjusted to the NBA game.”

All of the success Gray has had can be attributed to his hard work. Listed at 6’9”, Gray is often said to be close to 6’6”. Many say he is 6’7” and only to be ‘generous’. As San Antonio Spur Tim Duncan said after a close encounter against Gray, “You never know how short he is until you see him. Lining up for tipoff, I felt so much taller than him but the way he plays makes you bite your tongue and take those words back. He is brutal.” Portland Trailblazers PF Carlos Boozer echoed the same sentiments, “Jay Gray is probably one of the best players I have ever played against. He is small but packs a punch.”

Gray’s success and his height disadvantage shouldn’t be seen as unusual as Gray models his game after one of the all-time greats, Charles Barkley. Barkley was shorter than most of the guys at his position too. Like Gray, Barkley stood tall and was a force to be reckoned with. Orlando’s Dwight Howard said, “I can’t believe I didn’t even pick it, the fact that Charles Barkley and Jay Gray are so alike.”

Gray works hard at his game. He is usually the first to make it to practice and then lifting weights to keep up his strength and conditioning. The tireless, hard work has surely paid off throughout the season and Gray admits that it’s a shame that he did not start the season so strong. “It took a while for me to get my feet wet and adjust to the pace of the NBA game,” Gray explains, “But now that I know what it takes, I can be ready to make a bigger impact at the start of next season.”

Gray also promises that there is more in stall for Milwaukee, “This is only the start of something big.”

Bucks fans are excited at the prospect of Gray fulfilling his promise for Milwaukee. It has been a long time since Lew Alcindor teamed up with Oscar Robertson to deliver a title to the Bucks. Alcindor was a dominant big man himself and Gray knows that Bucks fans sure are happy to see him around. Gray is a smart guy and knows that everyone loves him. But being the modest man and hard worker he is, he only brushes all of the bravado aside, “I’m here to help lead the team but without my team mates, there would be no me. These guys are part of my success and I thank them for that. I like to look at the bigger picture. We’re in this together.”

Not only is Gray a great basketball player; he has a most-humble personality and also professionalism to the highest degree to boot. What is there to hate about Gray? Nothing. You just cannot make yourself do that. And that is the beauty in all of this!

In a world of LeBron James’ and Moses Chara’s, it’s rare to find a star like Gray. He is a total gem.

hova- wrote:Okay, this will be a sweep. Mavs and Kings are really having some high scoring battles in there. I hope Dirk wins a title that late in his career.

But he will have to get past me man. Do you really want to see that?

Valor wrote:Damn, J-Kidd missed out again on a triple-double, nice win though. Bring out the brooms

and YES!!! MAVS UPSET ONCE AGAIN!! Nice to see my virtual self bounce back from a terrible game

Oh, it aint no fluke, give me minutes and i'll drop 20+ all day long, just wait and see

It was a fluke.

The X wrote:Destroy the Warriors. I don't forget what they did to the Mavs & my Nuggets Sweep! Sweep! Sweep!

Funny how since you did a feature on Jay Gray, he's been averaging a very modest 14ppg, 10rpg series. Funny thing is his Bucks are getting job done. Gray is great. He doesn't mind deferring to get his teammates going. Must still has a lot to learn, especially when trying to compare himself to a player like Jay Gray

I'm glad you still remember that article from ALIB II. It was a fun one to write. Jay Gray has grown a lot since I wrote it.

Yep, definitely a class player. He doesn't force the issue and shares the rock around. He makes Liam L-Train Washburn look like an All-Star. The Bucks were one of the weakest teams in the postseason and they have made it this far. Must might have the individual accolades but Gray is the quiet achiever and hard worker.

As I've said before, I'm pretty sure everyone wants a Jay Gray over a Euro Flopper like Must.

I actually forgot the article but I was just going through your previous thread flicking through as I was looking for something & I randomly came across that & I thought it was good timing to re-post it

The X wrote:I actually forgot the article but I was just going through your previous thread flicking through as I was looking for something & I randomly came across that & I thought it was good timing to re-post it

MILWAUKEE, May 5 (AP) – Off-contract SG Andrew Watson may have hinted at his desire to play with the Milwaukee Bucks next season. The 4 year pro recently went on record full of praise for the Bucks' Jay Gray. Watson, a New Zealand native, has been keeping a close eye on the NBA postseason and has been impressed by Gray's leadership and the Bucks' results.

The X stated, "Funny thing is his (Gray's) Bucks are getting (the) job done. Gray is great. He doesn't mind deferring to get his teammates going. (Martti) Must still has a lot to learn, especially when trying to compare himself to a player like Jay Gray." Watson has remained mum on his playing future with plenty of offers coming in from Europe. However, his latest comments about linking up with compatriot Mark Moore and, now, comments about Jay Gray have raised thoughts that he may be committed to staying in the NBA.

Read More…

Martti Must Responds To The X

NEW YORK, May 6 (AP) – All-NBA First Team forward Martti Must has taken fire at Andrew Watson for his comment: "(Martti) Must still has a lot to learn, especially when trying to compare himself to a player like Jay Gray." The Estonian was furious that The X took aim at him and replied, "I'm a first team all-league player. Who is he? Who does he think he is?"

"Does he even know what he's talking about?" Must continued in his tirade during a call to a local sports radio station, "Check out my stats bitch. He's just a hater."

Must also revealed that he has been talking to Spanish PF and former Grizzlies player Pau Gasol about impending free agency. He said, "I asked Pau for some guidance and how to make a decision. I also asked him for his thoughts and opinion of the Grizzlies franchise. It was a good discussion." Memphis are worried that Must might leave the team just like how Cleveland Cavaliers SF Rudy Gay did. However, they have not been committed to the PF as they are also looking at offering maximum deals to other free agents this Summer.

Read More…

Bryant To Lai: Don't Compare Yourself To Me

LOS ANGELES, May 8 (AP) – Dallas Mavericks rookie Leo Lai is probably going to have a few sleepless nights after LA Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant, and the player he has looked up since his teens told him to "stop comparing himself to me (Bryant)." The recent comment sure is going to hurt the young Chinese swingman who comes off the bench for the Mavs.

Bryant stated in an interview from his family home, "Are you kidding me? I don't even know him. Is he saying he's like me?" Bryant then laughed and continued, "No, I don't know him. I've seen him sit on the bench a lot. He doesn't even play like me at all. Not even like how I was when I was his age. Don't compare yourself to me kid." Bryant laughed off Lai's insistence that he was like his idol and also smirked when told that he was getting a lot of good press recently with his performances off the bench for the Mavs, "If he's been getting good press, it must only be in Dallas and Japan or wherever he comes from."

"Please tell me you're joking!" Bryant states at the end of the interview. Lai (who comes from Hong Kong, China) has always mentioned Bryant as his inspiration; it will be interesting to see if that will change.

Read More…

Last edited by Sit on Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:56 pm, edited 2 times in total.

The X wrote:I actually forgot the article but I was just going through your previous thread flicking through as I was looking for something & I randomly came across that & I thought it was good timing to re-post it

May I ask what you were looking for?

I thought I would steal all your ideas & become the greatest Association story ever. Yes, don't know what to call it though, "An Urban Legend Is Spawn - Episode 1".

In all seriousness, usually when making new templates for new Associations I usually draw primarily on my past dynasties/Associations (Bobcats, Blazers, Bucks etc) & adjust it slightly to suit my mood of the Association. If I recall something that somebody else has done well in the past, then I will go back & try to find it & use it for inspiration to give me more ideas. Don't worry Will, you don't mind that Woody Haynes is my new feature writer, do you?

The X wrote:I actually forgot the article but I was just going through your previous thread flicking through as I was looking for something & I randomly came across that & I thought it was good timing to re-post it

May I ask what you were looking for?

I thought I would steal all your ideas & become the greatest Association story ever. Yes, don't know what to call it though, "An Urban Legend Is Spawn - Episode 1".

In all seriousness, usually when making new templates for new Associations I usually draw primarily on my past dynasties/Associations (Bobcats, Blazers, Bucks etc) & adjust it slightly to suit my mood of the Association. If I recall something that somebody else has done well in the past, then I will go back & try to find it & use it for inspiration to give me more ideas. Don't worry Will, you don't mind that Woody Haynes is my new feature writer, do you?

hova- wrote:Those three news are top notch - making this D just the best ever I love the interactive thing. I hope that the Bucks rather take me and not the X

Thanks Hov. I dunno if I'm more harsh on Martti or Valor.

And Bucks already got Mike Conley who is doing very well... They do need an upgrade at SG but I don't think they have the cap space to sign anyone. Got some really big contracts... Jamison might be off books this season though.

"I'm not worried" Lai said to reporters after practice today "He can say what he want's, it's his opinion"

Bryant had heavily criticized the comparisons that has surfaced between himself and the rookie from Hong Kong, here's what Kobe said - "Are you kidding me? I don't even know him. Is he saying he's like me? No, I don't know him. I've seen him sit on the bench a lot. He doesn't even play like me at all. Not even like how I was when I was his age. Don't compare yourself to me kid."

When asked whether he was hurt by his childhood idol's comments, Lai waved it off.

"I got no time to worry about these things right now" Lai said "We are in the playoffs, our focus is on beating Moses Chara and the Kings."

"Look, Kobe is one of the greatest players of all time and I'm just a rookie, I'm not going to get into the argument." The rookie added "I'm not going to cry over his comments and moan about it, like some Grizzlies players do"

Manfred is a good team mate, but unfortunately for him Minnesota is too small for two big time stars

Oh dont worry man. I am more of a giver than a taker. I will gladly take a decrease in pay in order to keep the noncrybaby player from the Baltics here! btw

recent tweets by ManfredMartii has great skills but acts like baby. Janis has good skills but acts like a man! Janis>(Martii x 3).I pray i can sometime be classified with the greatest 200 players of all time. But right now i am happy if i get put in the same category as muggsy bogues.

One time (At first) I'm a team-player, quiet, 'can't we all just get along' guy and the next I'm firing back at the ones who belittled me with tough words.

Anyway, I'll take either.

In real life, I hate Pau Gasol and the rest of the Spanish squad. Basically almost every European player in the NBA. (Other then Ilyasova, who's awesome. There are a few other exceptions of course. (Dirk, Gallinari etc..)).

MAY 7, GOLDEN STATE (AP) – Kevin Durant had promised that he would get his team back to the Western Conference Finals but the NBA’s leading scorer didn’t have to work too hard in the second round as his teammates helped him carry the load against an underwhelming Golden State Warriors side.

Durant finish his quiet series with a 25 point haul. Reshawn Tyson top scored with 27, Allen Iverson and Andrew Bogut had 16 apiece. Jason Kidd finished with a triple double for good measure.

The Warriors were trying desperately to stay in the series as their whole team dug in deep with seven players reaching double figures. They were led by Brandan Wright and Monta Ellis who had 15 apiece. Golden State was actually keeping it close for most of the game. A Stealth 32-24 fourth quarter sealed the series sweep.

Stealth Head Coach Will Sit was happy to see his team through to the next round. However, he was also a bit indifferent about the extra rest his team will get leading up to the Western Conference Finals. “It’s great that we got the job done. It would have been better if we got a sweep in the (first round) against Portland. I’m not too thrilled about the time off though. I need to keep my guys stimulated and focused with practice.”

Durant was phenomenal in the first round but he was outshone by his teammates; especially Iverson who was a stud off the bench. Durant congratulated his teammates after the match, “Everyone really played hard. I guess they learn how to play hard from their leader. My team baby.”

Notes: Jason Kidd became the oldest player to record a postseason triple double. Only he and Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone have recorded triple doubles during the NBA regular season at the age of 40. Kidd was humbled by the achievement, “I’ve got to say I was lucky I hit a couple of shots. It’s great to continuing doing things like recording triple doubles at my age. Just luck!”…

Manfred is a good team mate, but unfortunately for him Minnesota is too small for two big time stars

Oh dont worry man. I am more of a giver than a taker. I will gladly take a decrease in pay in order to keep the noncrybaby player from the Baltics here! btw

recent tweets by ManfredMartii has great skills but acts like baby. Janis has good skills but acts like a man! Janis>(Martii x 3).I pray i can sometime be classified with the greatest 200 players of all time. But right now i am happy if i get put in the same category as muggsy bogues.

I was hoping for some friction here. Ah too bad Manfred is a team player.

Martti. wrote:You have me with a sort of split personality.

One time (At first) I'm a team-player, quiet, 'can't we all just get along' guy and the next I'm firing back at the ones who belittled me with tough words.

Anyway, I'll take either.

In real life, I hate Pau Gasol and the rest of the Spanish squad. Basically almost every European player in the NBA. (Other then Ilyasova, who's awesome. There are a few other exceptions of course. (Dirk, Gallinari etc..)).

Also, I smell sweep.

Ah man, you're the one who started it. I think that you have ADD or something. Ever since Jay Gray did well, you got jealous and you snapped.

And well, you're the same European player as him So hate on yourself. haha But yeah, in the story you call him and ask him for advice.

There was an article about Albano that I did not post... but since you asked for it, you brought it on yourself.

shadowGrinch wrote:Who gives a fuck about that cry baby Martti? Him and these other fools shouldn't even be given attention and should work on their game instead, like what Jay Gray is doing right now!

It's a slow news day.

megarover wrote:You are all little crybabies.

Your rookie is gonna be one too when he don't get drafted in the first round.

Lamrock wrote:3-1 lead, thanks to my 26 point effort!!! U Mad?!

Congrats on topping the Warriors, despite Monta's career high 10 assists. Jason Kidd is ridiculous!